Litigation Director

Who we are:

Situated at the forefront of the national stage in the racial justice movement, Advancement Project   is a cutting edge, no-holds-barred national nonprofit whose team members are dedicated to creating free and safe communities for people of color. From ending the school-to-prison pipeline, to the fight to expand the right to vote, from calling for a complete overhaul of how we view the police and carceral state, to fighting for immigrant justice, Advancement Project   team members impact real change from the ground up. This moment demands alignment, sharp strategic thinking, and creativity to imagine a more just world in which racism no longer exists and all people of color can be free and safe – and we are excited to bring on new talent to change our world.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a seasoned and strategic litigator to oversee litigation  matters across Advancement Project’s programmatic areas using the community-centered racial justice lawyering model. The ideal candidate is a respected, innovative leader in the field of civil rights. The Director of Litigation will develop and manage strategic litigation.

This position will report to the Managing Director, General Counsel

What you’ll do:

Develop and lead strategic litigation activity aligned with Advancement Project’s mission and programs

• Develop and assess litigation opportunities in alignment with program strategy and make recommendations on all litigation matters.
• Manage all  day-to- day litigation efforts including writing and editing briefs, taking depositions, selecting, and preparing expert witnesses, arguing motions, and participating in hearings and trials.
• Manage and support community-based legal investigations that are aligned with the development of litigation.

Develop and maintain strategic relationships with external legal partners

• Recruit pro bono attorneys, as needed, and consult with them on a regular basis to identify and discuss potential issues suitable to address through litigation.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with private law firms, pro bono counsel and non-profit litigation partners.
• Represent Advancement Project at events with community partners, at public conferences, and in other outreach efforts aligned with the organization’s litigation.

Lead and provide direction and supervision on Litigation

• Develop standards for document requests, investigations, discovery, time-keeping, and other litigation practices.
• Perform litigation assessments and provide and/or identify litigation training for attorneys.
• Review and edit pleadings, briefs, letters, presentations, and other attorney work product.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legal issues and court rulings related to Advancement Project’s program areas.
• Provide team members assigned to litigation activities with regular feedback on performance, including frequent informal feedback, assisting with professional development, contributing to annual performance reviews and formal disciplinary actions, and assisting with addressing employee concerns.

What you need to be considered:

• Ability to lead with humility and respect, and consistently demonstrates empathy and compassion

• Ability to successfully delegate and direct a team while simultaneously completing their share of the work; is a self-leader with a record of productivity

• Exemplary interpersonal and relationship-building skills; able to easily build relationships with diverse individuals,

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks.

• Knowledge of legal and policy issues surrounding civil rights, voting rights and election administration-supervisory experience including mentoring and training staff attorneys.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited college or university.

• License to practice law in Washington D.C. or possess the ability to waive into the Washington D.C. bar.

• At least three years’ experience managing people involved in litigation matters.

• Ability to frequently travel locally, regionally, and nationally.

• Ability to occasionally work evenings and periodically work weekends, as needed.

PLEASE SUBMIT 2 WRITING SAMPLES AND 3 REFERENCES WITH YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME